Former No. 1 pick and five-time All-Star John Wall is in Las Vegas trying to get back into the NBA.
Wall appeared on ESPN’s Summer League broadcast and expressed his determination to find a new team after being off the roster since February 2023. “My focus is to still work hard and come here and network and be around teams,” Wall said (hat tip to Nick Jungfer of Basketball Forever). “Whatever role it is, I’m willing to accept. … If it’s going to a team and being a vet and teaching the young guys how to be a point guard, just to help, that’s a development I’m willing to do.”
Once an elite scorer with over 20 points per game, Wall has faced numerous leg injuries, including a torn Achilles. Since 2016-17, he hasn’t played more than 41 games in any season. In the last season with the Clippers, he played only 34 games with shooting rates below his career averages (.408/.303/.681) and showed diminished defense skills. He was traded from Los Angeles to Houston at the deadline in 2023 but was waived shortly after.
Other Veterans Seeking NBA Comeback:
Isaiah Thomas also spoke on ESPN about his desire for another contract after finishing last season with the Suns. His brief time with Phoenix marked his first return to the NBA in two years. “I’m a free agent right now,” Thomas said. “(I’m) talking to a few teams trying to see what the best opportunity is down the line.” He added that he wants one or two more years in the league .
Thomas has also been plagued by injuries since his stellar season in Boston where he averaged nearly 29 points per game. Over seven years, he’s only managed 115 games due to hip issues.
Fans might think it’s inspiring how these players keep pushing despite setbacks.
Bruno Caboclo, another former first-round pick who hasn’t been in the league since 2020-21, is also looking for an opportunity in Vegas according to Mozzart Sport (hat tip Eurohoops). The forward never found consistent success in the NBA but excelled overseas by earning All-EuroCup Second Team honors and winning a German League title with Ratiopharm Ulm last year. Although under contract with KK Partizan, Caboclo reportedly doesn’t plan on returning due to disagreements with the club.
While many free agents use Summer League as an opportunity for workouts due to high attendance from league personnel, it’s uncertain if Wall, Thomas or Caboclo will hold such sessions or just network.
What do you think about their chances?
